Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds

It took $50 worth of purchase of other dog encyclopedias for me to appreciate this concise, well-written, humorous, and very informative book. It outlines the history of the breed in question, the temperament (in several paragraphs, NOT with little obscure and ambiguous icons), and there is an overall rating area that succinctly profiles the breed's exercise needs, energy level, affection level for other pets and dogs and strangers, and grooming needs. If one is trying to decide between two breeds, the ratings make it very convenient to compare and contrast. It also provides the AKC rank for each breed, which gives one an idea of the popularity (and perhaps the availability) of the particular breed in the US. This book does not list very obscure European breeds, however. For those of you who are "just looking for a nice dog", I do highly recommend this book.

When I first reviewed this book in May 2001, I gave it 4 stars ... But 8 months down and several other Breed Type books later, I think this book rates 5 STARS ... It's a very good book ...Its binding and quality (hardcover version) are excellent, the book has stood up to much handling and use, still looks like new. The book is seldom on the shelf and is constantly picked up, looked at, referred to - by friends, visitors and us.328 pages of useful information, generally good photographs, with illustrations, the book is great value for money.It's has proven to be a great reference source. (a) It's well printed, easy on the eyes. (b) Information sensibly set out under categories of History, Temperament, Upkeep, Health (including life span), Form & Function. The information provided is detailed enough for most purposes. (c) Provides effective quick reference boxes, setting out basic breed characteristics such as height/weight, energy level, exercise requirements, affection level, watchdog ability, protection ability, ease of training etc ... with sketch illustration of the breed standard.The design of the book is just so well balanced, allowing for quick reference and well as encouraging detailed reading.Just as important, we find the information to be reasonably accurate and correct.Although we have found other books that cover more breeds (this books only covers 150 breeds), the wonderful design and information provided by this book more than compensates for that relatively minor lacking.Maybe the next edition will include more breeds ... *fingers crossed* ...

As an avid dog lover and veterinary student, I found this book to be a very complete, yet concise reference. The pictures are wonderful, I have taken this book to several dog shows and I always get comments on how nice the dogs in the photos are as well as being correct in describing the breeds. I turn to this book regularly to research breeds for clients, for myself and just to look at the pictures.

I have tried and tried to find a realistic text to help me bring in a new large breed dog to my canine family when my Kuvasz passes. I use the Irish Wolf Hound as my guideline to see if an author tells the often unpalatable whole scenario. And this book does. The lavish pictures are a joy to behold but I am NOT unwittingly beguiled into adding a family member that statistically will pass on in 5 to 7 years, such as I know to be the case with the splendid Wolfhound. Other authors, whether through ignorance, lack of research or just plain not caring about the impact of lifespan on an uninitiated I.W. first time purchaser, routinely claim 11 years an I.W. lifespan. This book allows ME to decide based on CORRECT information for the breeds.I also like the distinction between watchdog and protection factors, one often blurred by other authors. HUZZAH!

This book as with all her others reach out to the novice. It makes the novice knowledgeable in making choices as to what breed they may like. It is well done yet not so technical that it is over your head. Felt pictures were the weakest point although the reproduction was very good. Some of the pictures were not of the best examples of their breed. I have found the book to be very useful in gathering information about different breeds, and what to expect from them. As a member of several Kennel Clubs, this book has been a big hit at meetings for the old timers as well as the new members. I highly recommend it for all.